As state lawmakers start deciding whether they need to step in and regulate the state's booming sand mining industry, the Winona City Council Tuesday night voted to send a message to the capital.
                   
The council unanimously approved a resolution of support for establishment of state standards related to the silica sand industry.             

Councilman Al Thurley said it's good timing to voice the community's concerns about the growing frac sand demand.

Last September the council approved a resolution for a silica sand Generic Environmental Impact Statement as a valid option to further research and provide information about the silica sand industry.  

The new resolution points out the state has the expertise and existing regulatory authority needed to study and assess the health and environmental impacts of the industry. It also requests the state establish statewide standards for the mining, processing and transportation of frac sand.